Motorists have been warned to ensure they have completed the correct process for taking their vehicles off the road this winter.
Due to the cost of living crisis or a change in circumstances, many drivers may not be using their cars in the coming months, opting to keep them unused in a garage instead.
But before doing this, drivers must inform the DVLA if their car is untaxed and away from the roads, or they could face a fine of up to £1000.
According to experts at Leasecar.uk, more and more people are choosing not to use their cars due to the high fuel prices creating more pressure on household incomes.
But Birmingham Live reports that few drivers aren't aware of the legal process that they must take before taking their vehicle off the roads.
Drivers will have to make a SORN - Statutory Off Road Notification - when they tell the DVLA that they are keeping their vehicle off the road.
What is a SORN?
A SORN is a legal necessary requirement used to tell the DVLA that your car isn't in use, so you don't have to pay tax on it.
When a vehicle has been given a SORN, it means you can't drive or park it on any public road, and it must be kept on private land.
It's needed to avoid penalties which can be issued if a camera or the police spots the car on the road when it's not covered by road tax.
The DVLA can cross reference the national insurance database with road tax expiration dates to find out which vehicles have cover. A warning letter with fines will be sent via post from the Motorists Insurance Bureau (MIB) if motorists are caught out.
A late licensing penalty letter is automatically issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle if they fail to re-license or notify that the vehicle is being kept off road. The penalty is set at £80, but reduces to £40 if paid within 28 days reflects the severity of contravening statutory obligations. Court action after this can raise fines to up to £1000.
How do I declare a SORN?
Drivers can make a notification by visiting the DVLA website. Motorists only need to do a SORN once, and it'll be automatically overturned if they start paying tax on it again. You can choose when the off-road period will begin when you're making the application.
Drivers will be notified when their SORN is in place when they receive a letter from the DVLA, usually within four weeks.
When do I need to declare a SORN?
According to the RAC, you'll need to make a SORN application under the following circumstances:
- If you intend to keep the vehicle in question on a driveway, in a garage, or on private land for a period of time - and it cannot be parked on any kind of public road
- If the vehicle is uninsured (even for a short time) because of a delay in renewing a policy
- If you plan to salvage parts from the vehicle before it is scrapped
- If you are buying a car and plan to keep it off the road
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